Aaron Judge Net Worth

Aaron Judge: Net Worth, Salary, Contracts, and Baseball Career

Aaron Judge, the towering right fielder for the New York Yankees, has captivated baseball fans with his prodigious power and impressive achievements. Beyond his on-field performance, many are curious about Aaron Judge’s net worth and financial success. This article dives into Aaron Judge’s career earnings, contracts, endorsements, and overall net worth, providing a comprehensive look at the financial aspects of his baseball journey.

Early Life and High School

Aaron Judge was born in Linden, California, in April 1992, and adopted the day after by Patty and Wayne Judge, both teachers. As a child, he was a fan of the San Francisco Giants. He excelled as a three-sport athlete at Linden High School, playing baseball, basketball, and football. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches and weighing 282 pounds, Judge was a dominant force. His baseball team reached the state Division III playoffs, and he set school records for touchdowns and receiving yards in football. Judge was also a strong student, graduating with a 3.2 GPA while serving on the student council and volunteering in community service. Judge’s athletic talents made him a highly sought-after recruit for football, but he chose to pursue baseball instead.

College Career

In 2010, Aaron Judge was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 31st round of the amateur draft while still in high school. However, he opted to attend California State University, Fresno. During his sophomore year, the team won the Western Athletic Conference title. In his junior year, he led his team in RBIs, doubles, and home runs. Judge’s college career set the stage for his professional baseball journey.

Professional Career with the Yankees

Aaron Judge’s professional career began when he was selected by the New York Yankees as the 32nd overall pick in the first round of the 2013 MLB draft. A signing bonus of $1.8 million marked the beginning of his tenure with the Yankees. Despite a muscle tear that sidelined him for the 2013 season, Judge made his MLB debut in August 2016. In an unforgettable first at-bat, he hit a home run. He played 27 games in his debut season, finishing with a .179 batting average. In 2017, Judge became a regular starter, playing 155 games and hitting 52 home runs. He batted .284 and was selected as an All-Star. He continued to be an All-Star in 2018, 2021, and 2022.

Contracts and Salary

Aaron Judge’s contracts reflect his rising star status. Initially, he signed a 1-year, $1.8 million contract after joining the Yankees in 2013. From 2017 to 2019, he signed 1-year deals that paid between $500,000 and $620,000 annually. Before the 2020 season, he signed a 1-year, $8.5 million contract, followed by a 1-year, $10.175 million contract in 2021. In 2022, he signed a 1-year deal for $19 million. Between 2016 and 2022, Aaron Judge earned $40 million in MLB salary. As a free agent after the 2022 season, he turned down a 7-year, $213.5 million extension from the Yankees, opting for a 1-year, $19 million deal. This decision proved lucrative as Judge went on to have an exceptional season.

The Historic 2022 Season

The 2022 season was a monumental year for Aaron Judge. He broke Roger Maris’ American League single-season home run record by hitting 62 home runs, captivating the baseball world. This record-breaking performance significantly increased his value as he entered free agency, positioning him as one of the most sought-after players in baseball history. His ability to hit for both power and average is a rare combination, which made him one of the most talked about athletes in all of sports.

On December 7, 2022, after much speculation and a rumored offer from the San Francisco Giants, Aaron Judge signed a 9-year, $360 million contract with the New York Yankees. By rejecting the earlier 7-year, $213.5 million offer, he earned an additional $146.5 million, demonstrating his confidence and shrewdness.

Endorsements and Personal Life

Aaron Judge’s marketability extends beyond his baseball performance. He has a number of lucrative endorsement deals, most notably with Pepsi and Adidas. He was an Under Armour athlete from 2014 to 2018. In December 2021, Aaron Judge married his girlfriend, Samantha Bracksieck.

Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images

Aaron Judge’s Home Run Record

The historic 2022 season saw Aaron Judge smash 62 home runs, surpassing Roger Maris’ previous record of 61. To further cement his place in the record books, Aaron will strive to surpass the following home run records:

• 1999: Sammy Sosa, 63*
• 2001: Sammy Sosa, 64*
• 1999: Mark McGwire, 65*
• 1998: Sammy Sosa, 66*
• 1998: Mark McGwire, 70*
• 2001: Barry Bonds, 73*

*It is generally believed that all of the above athletes were using some form of performance enhancing drugs when their respective records were set.

Comparison with Mickey Mantle

To put Aaron Judge’s earnings in perspective, consider that Mickey Mantle earned $1.28 million in his entire career. Aaron Judge will earn more than that every five games for the next nine years. Even after adjusting Mickey Mantle’s career earnings for inflation, to $9 million, Aaron will earn more than that every 35 or so games. This demonstrates the significant financial evolution of baseball and Judge’s extraordinary value.

Aaron’s 9-year, $360 million contract works out to an average annual salary of $40 million. At the time of signing, it was the third-largest contract in history in terms of average annual salary, behind only Patrick Mahomes’ $42 million Kansas City salary and Lionel Messi’s $168 million Barcelona salary. In terms of overall size, it was the fifth-largest contract ever.

Conclusion

Aaron Judge’s net worth reflects his exceptional talent, strategic career decisions, and marketability. From his early days as a multi-sport athlete to his record-breaking performance in 2022, Judge has proven to be a valuable asset. With a lucrative contract, endorsement deals, and a growing legacy, Aaron Judge’s financial success is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and remarkable baseball skills.